2011 MODEL INFORMATION

OVERVIEW --------------------- P.2

AT A GLANCE ------------------ P.3

KEY FEATURES ---------------- P.4

HARD-HITTING FUEL-INJECTED POWER ---- P.4

FACTORY-STYLE CHASSIS COMPONENTS

AND TUNING ----------------------------------- P.10

ADDITIONAL FEATURES ---- P.15

COLOUR(S) ------------------- P.16

SPECIFICATIONS ------------ P.17

MODEL NAME
KX450F
MARKETING CODE KX450E

Version: 25 May 2010

INTERNAL USE ONLY
Intended as a general reference for the preparation of sales promotion and marketing material,
some of the material contained herein may not apply to your market.
 OVERVIEW

FACTORY TUNING TO KEEP

EXPERT RIDERS
AT THE FRONT OF THE PACK
The KX450F base package provides an excellent
platform for experienced racers to win races in the top
classes. Design of the highly rigid aluminium frame,
suspension components and settings focused on
ensuring control is maintained during high-speed riding –
especially in straight lines – to enable race-experienced
riders to ride full out. And to deliver holeshot-winning
performance – a key factor that can mean the difference
between running up front and winning, or getting stuck
mid-pack – chassis geometry and the hard-hitting
4-stroke engine’s wide powerband were designed to
maximise rear wheel traction. The combination is a
proven race-winner, with Kawasaki racers regular podium
finishers.

To keep the Lime Green racers out in front, Kawasaki

engineers made a number performance-enhancing
updates to both engine and chassis.

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 AT A GLANCE
NEW Slim rider interface - P.13
NEW
Factory-inspired tuning - P.5 Factory styling - P.13 Lighter-handling chassis - P.10
Works-base bridged-box bottom piston (unique Factory-style graphics, black alumite 1 Bodywork components and seat designed to Increased chassis flex, revised rigidity balance and new
Kawasaki feature used for rims, black fork guards and blue offer a slim, natural riding position making it front axle collars result in lighter turning, increased rear
the first time on a alumite1 finish on the fork adjusters easier for racers to go fast. wheel traction, a more planted feel from the front wheel
mass-production and rear suspension upper adjuster and enhanced cornering accuracy.
motocrosser on the give the KX450F the looks to match
10MY KX450F) is just its highly tuned performance. Renthal handlebar - P.12
one of many features NEW
Factory-style Setting-adjustable
inspired by our factory
handlebar and pad motocross ECU - P.6,7
racers. NEW Seat - P.14 comes standard.
Lightweight ECU was designed specifically to withstand
Revised pattern for the seat sides offers more grip. the rigors of motocross racing. Revisions to software and
hardware offer improved
response at low-mid
rpm and improved
All-aluminium perimeter frame - P.10 combustion. Settings
can be reprogrammed
Slim aluminium perimeter frame is a lightweight with an optional KX FI
construction composed of forged, extruded and cast parts. Calibration Kit.

NEW Kayaba AOS fork with DLC coating

NEW and Kashima Coat - P.11
Reduced noise - P.5
Changes to silencer internals ensure that stricter noise Diamond-Like Carbon
regulations are met. coating reduces sliding
friction for improved fork
action, especially during
cornering. Kashima Coat
and high-precision
machining further reduce
NEW friction. For ’11, revised
Rear shock absorber - P.12 settings offer improved
Dual compression action and increased
adjustability offers a wide absorption performance.
range of tuning options.
Kashima Coat on the tank
cylinder improves action.
For ’11, revised settings
offer improved action and Petal brake discs - P.12
increased absorption
performance. Front and rear petal
449 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single with brake discs offer efficient
New Uni-Trak rear suspension - P.10 battery-less fuel injection - P.4 braking performance.
Linkage mounts below the swingarm for more precise Fuel-injected engine
suspension tuning. offers hard-hitting power
while ensuring stable
Progressive throttle link - P.6 fuel-metering in all
High-precision ACR - P.9 conditions.
Lightweight 43 mm throttle body uses two shafts joined NEW
Improved shift feeling - P.5
Dual-weight centrifugal decompression system offers by a progressive link to give sharp response and
reliable starting. excellent power feeling. Shift mechanism revisions result in a firmer shift feel.

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 KEY FEATURES

HARD-HITTING FUEL-INJECTED POWER

Fuel-injected 449 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single delivers hard-hitting power from low- through high-rpm. The broad powerband and
responsive throttle offer a broad spread of torquey response that enables racers to get on the gas and go even from down low. In addition to
the inherent benefits, fuel injection contributes to the KX450F’s lag-free acceleration, especially after landing jumps. Already featuring
race-inspired tuning and parts like the high-performance piston with bridged-box bottom (a mass-production first when introduced on the 2010
KX450F), the 2011 engine receives further fine-tuning for increased low-end response, improved shift feel and other changes to meet stricter
noise regulations.

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 KEY FEATURES

Factory-racer engine tuning
* High-performance piston, featuring the same design used on our factory
racers, contributes to improved performance at all rpm. A short skirt,
reinforced external ribs and the industry’s only mass-production use of a
bridged-box bottom, featuring fully flush internal bracing, result in a
lighter, stronger piston. (Photo 1)
1 Reduced noise
Shorter skirt
Additional rib
NEW * Changes to the ECU programme and settings and revisions to the
primary ignition circuit result in improved low-rpm response.
Additionally, these changes lengthen spark duration for improved
combustion.
NEW * On European models, pinched cut-outs in the silencer chambers direct
exhaust gases into the glass-wool packing, helping to reduce exhaust
noise. Tail pipe diameter is now 38.3 mm. The revised silencer
internals ensure that strict 2m-max noise regulations are met (115 dB).
(Photo 2)
2

Reinforced rib

09MY 11MY
NEW * On North American models, revised internal construction results in a
quieter silencer that clears stricter 94 dB noise regulations.
* Wedge-shaped crank web increases offsetting moment for high
crankshaft balance factor. At close to 60%, the balance factor of the ’11
KX450F is on par with Chad Reed and Ryan Villopoto’s factory racers.
The high balance factor contributes to reduced engine vibration,
smoother power delivery and increased performance – especially at low Improved shift feeling
rpm, where response is noticeably snappier.
* Changes to the shift mechanism result in a firmer feeling when gears
* In addition to generating the electrical output necessary to ensure easy engage. The roller at the end of the position lever used to turn the shift
starting, the large-diameter ACG also contributes to engine feeling at cam ratchet has a larger diameter (16 mm >> 18 mm). Spring rate was
partial throttle. increased 40% accordingly.

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 KEY FEATURES

Battery-less fuel injection system

Designed specifically for motocrossers the fuel injection system incorporates a small lightweight ECU and operates without a battery to further
eliminate unnecessary weight. And of course, fuel injection eliminates the need to adjust engine settings to suit track and climate conditions.
* Ensuring quick starting without a battery was a prime directive when * Ultra-fine atomising injector with 4
developing the KX450F’s fuel injection system. Using only electricity 12 holes sprays particles with a
generated by the kick starter, the engine can be started with only three droplet size of 60 µm for smooth
rotations of the crankshaft. The system delivers electricity in the power deliver and improved
following order: 1) ECU, 2) fuel pump, 3) injector. With a warm engine, engine at partial throttle.
starting can be accomplished in a single kick. (Photo 4)
* The compact, lightweight ECU, located just in front of the steering head
(behind the number plate), was designed specifically for motocross use.
To help cope with the shocks and vibrations of motocross riding, the fuel * The injector was set at 45o, the optimum angle for improved mid-range
pump relay is built in to the ECU. (Photo 3) power.

3 NEW * Lightweight flat-bottom aluminium 5

fuel pump is located in the plastic
fuel tank. For ’11, the fuel pump
mounting angle was rotated 55o to
offer increased reliability.
(Photo 5)

* To ensure a stable fuel supply during vigorous motocross riding the fuel
pump features a rubber fuel filter cover that wraps around the inlet port
* The 43 mm throttle body makes use of a progressive throttle link to and acts as a fuel trap. A fuel return hose from the pressure regulator
deliver airflow in much the same way as would a FCR carburettor. Using ensures there is always fuel in the fuel trap.
two linked shafts, the throttle body opens more quickly after the 3/8 open
position, delivering sharp response and excellent power feeling.

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 KEY FEATURES

Factory KX FI Calibration Kit (option)

The KX FI Calibration Kit is the same kit used by Kawasaki’s works teams in Europe and the
U.S. The kit enables expert riders to adjust engine characteristics (by rewriting actual data
7 6 DATA
-HOUR
or

PRESETS LOGGING DISPLAY

maps) to suit their preference, record riding data, and analyse their riding data to further
most sample maps only data logging choice of
fine-tune their settings. offered in industry function in industry display

* The KX FI Calibration Kit contains KX Racing software, an ECU * While the kit is designed to satisfy racers and expert riders, it is simple
controller, mounting brackets and damper, harness and USB cable. In and hassle-free to use:
addition to the kit, a PC and 12 V battery are all that is required. - the ECU controller mounts behind the number plate for easy access
(Photo 6) - accessing the ECU is accomplished simply by connecting to a PC via
6 the ECU controller using a USB cable (no additional switches are
1 4
necessary)
- setting adjustments can be prepared in advance on a PC, or done
when connected to the ECU
3 - the kit’s user-interface is simple to understand and easy to use
2
* The KX FI Calibration Kit contains seven preset settings that can be
quickly and easily used to adjust the ECU to suit track conditions. The
provided settings are shown below.

SETTING DESCRIPTION
Richer fuel setting fuelling 5% richer than stock
Leaner fuel setting fuelling 5% leaner than stock
Advanced ignition setting ignition advanced 3o from stock

11 Retarded ignition setting ignition retarded 3o from stock

8 10 Hard riding surface setting ignition retarded, fuelling richer
5 6
7 9
Soft riding surface setting ignition advanced, fuelling leaner
Beginner setting engine power suppressed:
1 Controller sub-harness† 5 ECU mounting bracket 8 Wire harness clamp
2 USB cable (replacement part for use with kit)†† 9 Controller bands ignition retarded, fuelling richer
3 Software CD-ROM† 6 Controller bracket† 10 Upper/lower controller dampers
4 Power supply harness 7 ECU controller 11 Controller damper
† ††
Part revised from 10MY kit. Part added for 11MY kit.

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 KEY FEATURES
* For more advanced setting optimisation, the ECU maps for volume of fuel
injected (via the FI adjustment window) and ignition timing (via the IG
adjustment window) can be adjusted for given throttle position and rpm.
Base settings are shown as a flat graph (left). Settings can be increased or decreased
from the base according to rider preference (right).
* Multiple display options are available. Click [3D Graph] or [2D Graph] of
the [3D/2D] to select the 3 or 2-dimensional display. When you use the
[3D Graph], select [Surface Display] or [Frame Display] of the [3D Graph
Type] to select the display type.
3D Surface Display 3D Frame Display 2D Graph Display
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* Both click-and-drag (using the graph window) and numerical editing
(using the map sheet) are possible.
* When connected to the ECU, the KX FI Calibration Kit can be used to
display the status of a running engine. Information can be displayed in
numeric form using the Data Monitor, or in visual form using the various
display options offered by the Data Meter.
Data Monitor Window
Data Meter Window
* The KX FI Calibration Kit can also be used as a data logger, recording
up to six hours of data depending on the number of parameters (engine
rpm, angle of throttle opening, etc)
being recorded. After riding, the
riding data can be viewed using
the [Analyze] window. Parameters
to be recorded and displayed can
be selected independently.
* The logged data can lined up with the course layout to check actual
riding, enabling more efficient FI settings to be determined. It also
enables before-and-after comparisons and comparisons between riders.
For more detailed information on use and functions of the FI Calibration
Kit, please refer to the KX FI Calibration Kit Instruction Manual.
8
 KEY FEATURES
Other performance-enhancing engine characteristics
* The engine was tuned such that the torque curve follows the limit of
running resistance for as long as possible. (Unchecked, engine torque
can exceed this limit, resulting in wheel spin, which does nothing to help
forward momentum.)
* Efforts were made to achieve the widest possible torque band, so that
traction efficiency would be maximised for a greater part of the rev
range.
o
* The engine is almost upright (forward lean angle is 3 ) to help place the
bike’s centre of gravity in the ideal position for maximum traction.
* Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams yield high intake efficiency.
* During the cylinder head casting process, the cores for the intake ports
were given a special coating to make the intake ports smoother. The
extremely smooth surfaces that result increase intake efficiency at
all rpm.
* Lightweight titanium valves (IN: 36 mm; EX: 31 mm) reduce
reciprocating weight and offer high-rpm reliability.
* Aluminium valve spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable
valve control at high-rpm.
* Double valve springs also help ensure stable valve operation and allow a
short cylinder head height.
* 32 mm thick, 127.8 mm wide radiators with wide fin and tube pitch offer
resistance to mud build-up while maintain cooling performance. The
radiators are strong enough that the reinforcing brackets could be
eliminated, resulting in lower overall weight.
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* The screw-type adjuster on the cam chain tensioner is equipped with a
pressure spring. Because the system automatically minimises the
vibration caused by a loose cam chain, it greatly reduces the chance of
a mishap during a race. (Non-automatic systems that are tuned
incorrectly can actually adversely affect valve timing by putting too much
pressure on the cam chain.)
* The combination of the smooth-shifting, close-ratio 5-speed
transmission with the KX450F’s low-rpm engine performance offers the
rider the option to shift to a higher gear when traversing rough sections.
This reduces the effect of sudden (unwanted) throttle input, allowing
focus to be given to racing rather than careful throttle control.
* In the event of a stalled engine during a race, getting it started again as
soon as possible is a racer’s first priority, so the KX450F is equipped
with an automatic compression release (ACR) system. The dual-weight
centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam eases
starting in much the same way as a conventional lever-type system.
* Sprocket-style chain drive roller helps smooth engine braking by
reducing the effect of driveline lash when the rider gets off the gas
quickly and play in the lower side of the chain suddenly tightens. The
additional control facilitates corner entry.
9
 KEY FEATURES

FACTORY-STYLE CHASSIS COMPONENTS AND TUNING

The KX450F’s slim aluminium perimeter frame is a lightweight construction composed of forged, extruded and cast parts. Chassis balance
and settings were all set to suit race-experienced riders. The centre of gravity and key dimensions (swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear
axle locations) were chosen so that the rear tyre would drive the bike forward (instead of causing it to squat). For ’11 the chassis was
fine-tuned, with revisions to frame and suspension components resulting in improved turning, greater rear wheel traction, more planted feel
from the front wheel and enhanced cornering accuracy. The KX450F’s highly acclaimed high-speed stability remains unchanged.

Lighter-handling chassis
While the frame remains essentially the same as that of the 10MY model, revised rigidity balance results in a frame with moderate lateral flex.
NEW * Frame’s side hangers (engine mounting brackets), previously aluminium, NEW * The resultant increased lateral chassis flex enables lighter turning.
are now formed from steel, and are thinner (t8.0 mm >> t4.5 mm). NEW * The revised rigidity balance offers a number of benefits:
(Photo 7)
- increased rear wheel traction
7 - more planted feel from the front wheel
- enhanced cornering accuracy makes it easier for riders to follow the
line they want
NEW * Larger-diameter front axle collars (25 mm >> 27.5 mm) with higher
rigidity contribute to the more planted feel from the front wheel.

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 KEY FEATURES

Superior rear wheel traction Race-oriented suspension

* The New Uni-Trak rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm
below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke. The
longer stroke in turn allows more precise rear suspension tuning.
(Photo 8)
8
* Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in separate
chambers for stable damping performance during long motos.
Low-friction fork seals contribute to smooth action. (Photo 9)
9

Kashima Coat
(on inside of
fork tube)

DLC coating

* Extensive rider testing was conducted to determine the ideal linkage

ratios and rear shock absorber damping settings to achieve maximum
rear wheel traction.

NEW * Lighter fork internals save 50 g each (100 g total).

NEW * Revised fork damping settings complement the changes to the frame
and front axle collars, offering improved action and increased absorption
performance.

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 KEY FEATURES

* A super-hard DLC coating (Diamond-Like Carbon) on the outer surface

of the inner fork tubes reduces sliding friction (and stiction) and gives
Factory-style and other race-oriented
better action, contributing to the smoother ride. The coating is even components
effective when the fork is exposed to lateral forces that would usually
hamper slide action, such as during cornering. The increased surface * The KX450F features petal brake discs front and rear. In addition to
hardness also minimises scratches and damage to the tubes. helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs
help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance.
* Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork outer tubes (Photos 11-12)
contributes to smoother suspension action (especially at the initial part
of the stroke) and a better ride feel. 11 12

NEW * Revised rear shock 10

damping settings
complement the changes to
the frame and front axle
collars, offering improved
action and increased
absorption performance.
(Photo 10)

* The rear shock features

dual compression
adjustability, allowing
high-speed and low-speed * Rear caliper guard protects the caliper from damage.
damping to be tuned * A factory-style 13
separately. Renthal
* The rear shock also (standard-type)
features the Kashima Coat aluminium handlebar
on the tank cylinder. The is standard
reduced friction smoothes equipment. (Photo 13)
suspension action.

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 KEY FEATURES

* Rib-less rear hub and butted spokes reduced unsprung weight.

Rider interface
* Rims are coated in black alumite1 – just like our factory racers.
(Photo 14)
Designed with rider ergonomics in mind, bodywork components
offer the rider a slim interface, the natural position making it even
14
easier for racers to go fast.
* Formed using a 16
double-injection
moulding process,
2-tone shrouds
contribute to the slim
package. (Photo 16)

* Fork and rear shock 15

adjusters have a blue * 2-tone side covers are 17
alumite1 finish like our US also formed using a
factory racers. (Photo 15) double-injection
moulding process.
* Factory-style graphics
Like the shrouds they
complement the KX450F’s
contribute to the slim
highly tuned performance.
package. A hole in the
right-side cover helps
cool the silencer.
(Photo 17)

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 KEY FEATURES

* The frame widens at the ankles to offer the rider better grip and narrows
near the bend below the seat to allow a slim riding position.
* Optimised exhaust pipe line also contributes to the racer-friendly
ergonomics.
* The seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and
smooth sides for excellent rider mobility.
NEW * Revised pattern for 18
the seat sides offer
more grip than before.
(Photo 18)

* Seat urethane designed to keep the original shape longer.

* Wide (front-to-rear) footpegs designed to offer grip and superb feel at
the pegs.
* The clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easier for
riders to adjust play in the clutch cable.
* Throttle grip has a unitised collar. The one-piece unit provides additional
stability during throttle operation.
* Lightweight short-length grips feature a pattern designed to provide
excellent grip.

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 ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Engine
NEW * Changes to the piston profile result in reduced variance in piston
clearance, contributing to improved exhaust emissions.
* Fast-idle knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase engine
speed when first starting a cold engine.
* The crankshaft and connecting rod received a carburising and
quenching treatment for additional rigidity.
* The camshaft lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitriding surface
treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability.
* A large flap inside the air cleaner case helps prevent the ingress of mud.
* The silencer uses long-fibre packing which is much more resistant to
being blown out of the tail pipe than standard length packing. As a
result, packing needs to be replaced half as often.
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Chassis
* The alloy swingarm uses a cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars
and forged chain adjusters.
* Designed to accommodate the in-tank fuel pump, the plastic fuel tank is
formed using a rotational moulding (or rotomoulding) process that
reduces weight.
* Large synthetic skid plate offers great protection with minimum weight.
NEW * Front chain guide (chain slider) uses a thicker plastic lining, offering
longer wear life.
Other
* Optional engine parts include magneto rotors with different inertias (8.5,
9.5 kg.cm2; STD: 9.0 kg.cm2).
* Optional chassis parts include handlebar holder for a ø28.6 mm bar
(STD: ø22.2 mm), aluminium and steel rear sprockets (48-52T; STD:
50T), solid petal brake rotors for wet races, and different springs for the
front fork (4.6, 4.8 N/mm; STD: 4.7 N/mm) and rear shock (52, 56 N/mm,
STD: 54 N/mm).
* An FI indicator lamp (available as an option) warns of any problem with
the FI system. (Photos 19-20)
19 20
15
 COLOUR(S)

* Lime Green with factory-style graphics

1
Alumite: an anodic oxidation finishing treatment for aluminium resulting in a coloured, corrosion/scratch-resistant film coating.

2 0 1 1 M Y K X 4 5 0 F M O D E L I N F O R M AT I O N 16
 SPECIFICATIONS

KX450EBF
ENGINE FRAME

Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single Type Perimeter, aluminium

3
Displacement 449 cm Wheel travel: front 315 mm
Bore and Stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm rear 315 mm
Compression ratio 12.5:1 Tyre: front 90/100-21 57M
Valve system DOHC, 4 valves rear 120/80-19 63M
Fuel system Fuel injection: ø43 mm x 1 (Keihin) Caster (rake) 26.7o
Ignition Digital DC-CDI Trail 116 mm
Starting Primary kick Steering angle (left/right) 42o / 42o
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAIN SUSPENSION

Transmission 5-speed, return Front: Type 48 mm upside-down AOS-type

Final drive Chain telescopic fork
Primary reduction ratio 2.727 (60/22) Compression damping 22-way
Gear ratios: 1st 1.750 (28/16) Rebound damping 20-way
2nd 1.412 (24/17)
3rd 1.188 (19/16) Rear: Type New Uni-Trak
4th 1.000 (19/19) Compression damping 22-way (low-speed),
5th 0.875 (21/24) 2-turns or more (high-speed)
Final reduction ratio 3.846 (50/13) Rebound damping 22-way
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual Spring preload Fully adjustable

2 0 1 1 M Y K X 4 5 0 F M O D E L I N F O R M AT I O N 17
 SPECIFICATIONS

KX450EBF
BRAKES

Front: Type Single semi-floating 250 mm petal disc

Caliper Dual-piston

Rear: Type Single 240 mm petal disc

Caliper Single-piston

DIMENSIONS

Overall length 2,185 mm

Overall width 820 mm
Overall height 1,280 mm
Wheelbase 1,480 mm
Ground clearance 335 mm
Seat height 960 mm
Curb mass 113.4 kg
Fuel capacity 7 litres
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under
standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its
performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets.

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